The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1887-04-13
A Romance of Halloween.

ago. Since the Inauguration of female
colleges and growth of feminine intel
lect, the gentle sex have advanced to
such stage of existence as to no longer
deem it proper to openly resort to any
magic spell by which to determine their
future.
| could, however, show you many an
Anticipated spinster clinging desperately
to her one feeble string in the shattered
bow who in secret still consults her
Sibylline Leaves"
Those persons in a church who are
on committee for raising money by
offering attractions in the way of enter
tainment are deserving of sincerest
pity. Work as they may, there are
many dissatisfactions, until at length
the willing laborers feel themselves
sorely tried. What with paucity of
ideas at the end of the season, and va
rious unhattering comments from inter-
ested parties who " could have done so
much BETTER" the position is far from
enviable.
The parlors of one of the large and
thriving churches were astir with an
assemblage of the committee of winter
plans. A bright fire blazed on the
large open fireplace, giving glow to
the animated faces of the young people,
who were all DESTROYS of executing any
number of schemes in the interest of
their society.
The treasurer, stating that funds were
needed at once, asked for suggestions in
planning some entertainment early in
the season, before the usual work began.
Then came general discussion as to
what should be decided upon. Every
thing from pink-teas to soap-bubble par
ties were brought up and regarded as
too common to attract, and increase the
treasury. Finally bright young per-
son ventured the suggestion that Hal
loween party might possibly prove a
novelty if carried out in an elaborate
manner. The motion was carried, and
preparations begun.
Posters announced the coming unique
event, and the local paper gave more
minute descriptions, which should in
duce the public to come and see for
themselves. The reputation of the en-
terprising society in affording delight
full entertainments was already estab-
lished, and on this occasion the parlors
were filed
Numerous tables were scattered here
and there, where Enthusiastically arrayed
mattresses dispensed coffee and cream.
Across one side of the large room a
bower of evergreen had been arranged.
This was enchanted ground, where a
mysterious queen and certain of her
train held the magic charm of prognos-
tication. The queen herself, for a suf-
ficent compensation, would lead her
suppliant to second bower within,
where the more wonderful things were
revealed; while the duty of her assist
ants was to foretell by more simple
methods what of good or i'll might
come.
In one corner, under large tent, sat
a typical gypsy maid, the center OF at
traction. Her costume and manners
were fascinating, as she asked passers-
by to invest in baskets, adding that
she could also tell them many wonderful
truths. So completely disguised was
this maid that at first few recognized
in her the general favorite of the So
ciety, Florence Day. Her interest in
and kindness TO everyone had made
her everywhere popular. She was by
HO Lucduo DCdutllui, puu OhO ioi SOlo
anything of that sort where true nobil-
ity of character exists. Her light hair
was concealed by black wig, and the
complete transformation into the dusk
lest of brunettes was most deceptive to
her friends.
The general questions were, " Have
you been to Zillah's tent?" Is she
not the attraction?' elbow well she
induces us all to cross her palm, telling
our fortunes with the air of genuine
old travelling gypsy" 1t was very
pretty to see her earnestly talking to
those who sought her domain, saying
many witty thing.
During the evening "A quiet indi-
vidual was seen leisurely roaming
about the rooms. He apparently knew
no one, and seemed to wish to be I'M
molested. Several of the young fell
lows in the society tried to extend a
welcome and interest him in the vari-
Gus attractions. Simply answering
them politely, he sought table and a
cup of coffee, which he slipped slowly
and looked about him.
In short time the stranger also was
looked upon with great curiosity. The
1OuhS DCoDlC NohuClCt Nhob tiit
tall, handsome man could find to enjoy
in church affair in town where every
inhabitant and his relatives are known.
When the tables were all filled, leav-
ing his place he wandered off in the di-
rection of "Zillah's tent. After
some light banter and pleasant words,
he gave her some silver, adding that he
was determined to learn his destiny
from her lips on this night of nights.
Bright though you may be, my
roaming maid, you cannot tell my past
history; but you can certainly give me
hope that in the future all will be we'll"
4" Kind sir, | saw you enter, and the
fates have told me much concerning a
person entirely unknown here. Listen
quietly to me while / reveal things
which may surprise you.
81 cannot tell why you are here
Years ago, while travelling abroad, you
met a young girl of sixteen. She was
on her way to Germany, there to finish
her education. 1t CHANGED that you
both became fondly attached to one
another. The parents of the young
girl seriously objected on account of
her youth, also thinking that you were
inclined to look upon life in frivolous
manner.
"Then after time, having yielded